I agree: *gHosti-potis was first and
foremost someone who had obligations of hospitality. Here, "stranger-master"
means one who because of his special position as the master of the house can be
entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of a host. The tradition and
practice of hospitality guarantees that even if the host is your sworn enemy
you are as secure and comfortable under his roof as if you were one of the
family. In many (most?) cultures hospitality towards visitors, including
foreigners, is an extremely serious obligation. As we Poles put
it, "Gos'c' w dom, Bóg w dom", i.e. "Guest in the home, God in the home" (the
presence of a guest brings blessing on the household).
Piotr
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2001 11:16
AM
Subject: Re: [tied] hospes
"lord of foreigners" is a possible but not
probable meaning because typically foreigners are to be bested not ruled.